Tis the Season to be Jolly!
But the truth is Christmas party season isn't easy for everyone, and it can be a challenging time of year, filled with reasons and excuses to drink alcohol. Because of this, we need awareness of not just our relationship with alcohol but others' relationship with alcohol too.
I speak from experience, as this time of year, I used to plan my life around drinking and recovering from drinking because moderation wasn't in my makeup, and I knew that if I went out, it would be a session. I'd find myself chasing the party with others on the same mindless mission. Don't get me wrong, I did have some fun times that involved alcohol, but the blackouts and anxiety started to outweigh the good times, and that's when I knew it was time to make a change.
More and more people are aware of their unhealthy relationship with alcohol and have become 'sober curious'. I am a Sober Coach, and people are reaching out for support now, wanting to be present for Christmas rather than waiting for January's 'new year new you' and Dry January initiatives to address the issue.
A Sober Christmas is a mindful time to connect with those who matter and to enjoy time out to recharge the batteries - minus the hangover! My first Sober Christmas was the hardest, as I had to find new traditions and ways to celebrate. Each year it has become easier and more enjoyable as I am more confident in my skin; I am approaching my fourth Sober Christmas and couldn't be happier to be doing it alcohol-free.
Last Thursday, I hosted a 'Sober Sessions' Christmas Party, kicking the Season off in style with a Salty Dog Takeover. These events bring like-minded people together, whether sober, curious, supporting a friend, or mindful and wanting a night out without alcohol. There is no judgement; everyone is there to have fun and let their hair down, minus the alcohol many have been conditioned to feel they need. Guests dressed up in their Christmas glad rags and enjoyed the sounds of the Jersey Ukulele Club, which was so festive. There was a three-course sit-down meal and entertainment, including Sober Jo Bingo, which kept everyone engaged and on their toes. The alcohol-free drinks flowed, and there was even a pop-up shop to get orders in before Christmas. The atmosphere was electric, and you wouldn't have known that everyone there wasn't drinking until the end of the night when they got in their cars and drove home! All the fun without the hangover.
The pressure to drink at the work's Christmas party when you work in an office can be tricky. I've been hosting lunch and learns at companies, sharing my story 'how a charity challenge changed my life for the better.' I challenge some people's perception that being sober and alcohol-free equals boring and raise awareness about being mindful and inclusive in the workplace. Often employers suggest that employees have a drink to celebrate, but they also want the employee to be in control and know their limits - which is an impossible ask for some. It can take a lot of courage to say that they don't want to drink. It's important to understand that everyone is different, champion their decision not to drink alcohol, and offer alternatives so that people can fit in whilst encouraging their healthy choice. Get in touch if your workplace could benefit from this conversation.
Sober Jo Gimber Mojito Recipe.
This spicy and refreshing GIMBER drink is available at the Salty Dog.
Gimber is available to buy from Club AF.
Ingredients:
25ml GIMBER
60ml Sparkling water
10ml Lime juice
15ml Sugar water ( 1/1 )
12 Fresh mint leaves
1/2 Lime in parts
How to make it:
Put the mint leaves, lime parts and sugar water in the glass
Muddle until it's blended well
Add GIMBER and the lime juice
Add crushed ice
Top it with sparkling water
Garnish with fresh mint and dried ginger